Keeping up with the grass of a lawn can be a lot of work. Maintaining a beautiful green tone requires incessant observation and problem-solving. Problems with grass can range from brown spots to thinning and color changes. These can be caused by over or under watering, lack of or too much sunlight, diseases, and pests. For easier lawn care, some may decide to turn to artificial turf.
What is artificial turf?
Artificial Turf is a synthetic, grass-like product. Fibers cut and colored to look like different natural breeds of grass are woven into a fabric backing with holes cut into it for drainage. There are many different varieties of turf that range in quality, realism, and design. So is artificial turf the grass replacement you're looking for?
Artificial Turf Benefits
Less Maintenance
Artificial grass is easy to clean and take care of. Debris and foliage can be removed easily with a broom, rake, or leaf blower and other messes can be hosed off of the lawn. There is no requirement for typical maintenance work like watering, fertilizing, mowing, or seeding. On occasion, weeds may take root, but this will be considerably less common in artificial turf.
Pet Friendly
For houses with pets, this lawn won't be impacted by animal waste in the ways that a grass lawn would be. This can simply be hosed off to keep the space clean and fresh. If a pet has an allergy to grass this is a great alternative to keep them healthy as well.
No Watering
Artificial grass requires no watering. This can save massive amounts of water and time taken to water natural grasses. For dry areas, this significantly lowers maintenance needs and difficulties with keeping grass lush.
Artificial Turf Issues
Variable Resale
Not everyone is a fan of artificial grass. This may affect any ability to resell the house and property in the future. If the residence isn't permanent, considering how people in the surrounding area may feel about artificial turf may be important. Some places don't allow placement of artificial grass as well.
Higher Cost
Installing turf is many times more expensive than laying seed for a grass lawn. The high cost may deter potential buyers, but it does cost less over time to maintain a turf lawn.
Not Sustainable
Natural grasses work as part of the environment, assisting with decomposition, the stability of the soil, and air quality. None of these benefits can be found in artificial grasses. This turf is not recyclable currently.
Temperature
Artificial turf absorbs heat. This makes it hot to the touch and, in some circumstances, can cause it to melt. In conflict with typical lawns, shade trees are recommended with a turf lawn to prevent overheating.
How To Install Your Artificial Turf
To get the best placement, stylizing, and longevity it is best to have your turf installed by a professional. Whether you put it in yourself or hire someone to set your lawn, here are the steps that should be taken.
Measure the space and remove obstructions
Having precise measurements is essential for the fit of the turf. Once these measurements are marked down, the area must be cleared of rocks, roots, foliage, and other debris.
Remove the topsoil and even out the surface
The top layer of the soil should be removed to make room for the drainage layer that lays beneath the turf. Making this area flat will help the next layer sit correctly.
Layer sand or gravel over the surface
Sand or gravel mixtures are laid on the bare soil to serve as a base for the turf, providing space for water to drain away from the synthetic plant material.
Moisten and Compact the layer
This layer is moistened, allowing the particles to fall into place and compact so the surface for the turf is even.
Lay the turf and fit it to borders or edges
The turf is laid out in one piece, with the edges being tucked at the borders of the newly grassed area.
Pour infill over the turf
Over the turf, a layer of infill is poured. This weighs down the sheet to hold the turf in place and maintains the standing position of the imitation grass so they don't fall over or crumple.
Groom the final product
The turf should be brushed out as a final step, with a rake or broom. This will straighten and texturize the turf to make it more grass-like. This also pushes the infill down to the base of the grass pieces.
Artificial Turf is a great solution for easier lawn care that will not only save you money on your water bills, but also be much easier to maintain.
Having precise measurements is essential for the fit of the turf. Once these measurements are marked down, the area must be cleared of rocks, roots, foliage, and other debris.
Remove the topsoil and even out the surface
The top layer of the soil should be removed to make room for the drainage layer that lays beneath the turf. Making this area flat will help the next layer sit correctly.
Layer sand or gravel over the surface
Sand or gravel mixtures are laid on the bare soil to serve as a base for the turf, providing space for water to drain away from the synthetic plant material.
Moisten and Compact the layer
This layer is moistened, allowing the particles to fall into place and compact so the surface for the turf is even.
Lay the turf and fit it to borders or edges
The turf is laid out in one piece, with the edges being tucked at the borders of the newly grassed area.
Pour infill over the turf
Over the turf, a layer of infill is poured. This weighs down the sheet to hold the turf in place and maintains the standing position of the imitation grass so they don't fall over or crumple.
Groom the final product
The turf should be brushed out as a final step, with a rake or broom. This will straighten and texturize the turf to make it more grass-like. This also pushes the infill down to the base of the grass pieces.
Artificial Turf is a great solution for easier lawn care that will not only save you money on your water bills, but also be much easier to maintain.
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We are the go to professionals for Turlock landscaping, so call us today for a fast, no obligation estimate. We also provide sprinkler repair and landscape lighting for a breathtaking yard you'll love!
Have a messy yard you want back in tip top shape? Call us today for a free lawn maintenance or restoration quote!
We are the go to professionals for Turlock landscaping, so call us today for a fast, no obligation estimate. We also provide sprinkler repair and landscape lighting for a breathtaking yard you'll love!
Have a messy yard you want back in tip top shape? Call us today for a free lawn maintenance or restoration quote!